October is Vegetarian Awareness Month. This month’s spotlight is on Monika Mahajan, MS, RDN one of our Vegetarian members. Monika, originally from India, moved to New Jersey almost 25 years ago. She attended Columbia University, Teachers College where she obtained a master’s degree in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology and went on to complete her dietetic internship. Prior to her studies in the United States, Monika held an undergraduate degree in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery from India.
Monika grew up in a household that was strictly vegetarian, which she credits her love of vegetables to! When she came to the US in the early 2000’s there were not many vegetarian options. She was always passionate about food; whether it be cooking, food styling, or developing her own healthy recipes, Monika loves the kitchen! As a child she was always fascinated with her mother’s ability to whip up something healthy, vegetarian, and delicious. Her mother was a key reason Monika was first interested in health care. After a few years in the field she realized the power of prevention and the importance of nutrition in overall well-being. So she embarked on her nutrition career and never looked back.
Now, Monika works as a Clinical Bariatric dietitian at RWJ Barnabas Health Newark Beth Israel where she counsels patients’ before and after their bariatric procedures. She believes that, “We are what we eat” and that ‘Food is medicine”. Monika is also the founder of Nurture Life Foundation, LLC which specializes in coaching clients on plant-based, vegan and vegetarian diets as well as metabolic weight loss. She holds a certificate of training in Obesity Intervention for Adults and Pediatrics and is currently working towards getting credentialed as a Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM).
Monika volunteers at her children’s school whenever possible. She teaches about healthy eating and encourages young children to try different vegetables each week. Monika also volunteers with local health departments to educate township residents on choosing healthy options and making better food choices.
Nutrition is a fast-paced science which requires a lot of dedication and focus to stay current. The biggest challenge Monika has faced in her career is carving out time for herself. She finds that meditation helps to calm and focus her mind and helps her recharge and reconnect with herself. Monika recommends meditation to her patients to help them recommit to their weight loss discipline as well.
Monika has had several mentors throughout her career. She is especially thankful for two Columbia professors; Dr. Lora Sporny and Dr. Randy Wolf whose mentorship helped Monika navigate her way through school as well as land some great opportunities in the nutrition field.
Monika’s advice to new RDN’s and NDTR’s is to “align your passion with your focus. Dietetics is going to become even more important in the future with an open mind and a learning attitude; you can make a material difference in the world and feel good in the process”. Monika says “the field of nutrition is still quite embryonic. Despite numerous advances, we are still just scratching the surface. There is so much more to explore and so much research is underway, like the microbiome and vegetarian and vegan diets and all the work around sustainability. It’s truly an exciting time!”
Instagram: monikardn@insta
Facebook: Monika Mahajan
Linkedin: Monika Mahajan
